My least favorite aspect of traveling is airport security. Well, unless you consider how much I hate unpacking and the laundry therein, or the fact that I always seem to forget to pack something important (like underwear) and have to make a middle of the night run to Walmart. For simplicity, we'll just stick with how much I detest security. Really, there is nothing redeemable about the process. You are trapped at the mercy of not only government regulations, but TSA personnel whose job requirements involve a propensity for complete lack of compassion and prison reform-esque people skills. I realize I am treading on gross overgeneralization thin ice with this blanket slam against security personnel, but the stereotype exists for a reason (and the story is just not as good if I cast all the agents in the role of the hero.)
But, when we arrived in our security line for our most recent trip, I discovered a sign that thrilled me down to my very toes. In a victory that turns out to be quite literally for the little guy, children under 12 are no longer required to remove their shoes to pass through security. Cue the angelic music as one very happy mama glides down the gray security carpet. Not needing to supervise the removal, retrieval and re-donning of little shoes times four was enough to send me into security bliss. I am pleased that the powers that be have finally seen the ridiculousness improbability of explosives hiding in toddler's crocs and taken steps to make security more family friendly. Another sign we encountered explained the upcoming use of liquid scanners that will make it possible to travel with full sized shampoo and water bottles again. After years of pouring out the contents of sippy cups in security trash cans only to buy a $3 bottle of juice immediately on the other side, I am once again thrilled.
So not only is my traveling a little happier right now, I am also dreaming of more advances in the future that will make security both simpler and safer.
Oh thank goodness! We have just started the "mine" phase and Dek had a hard enough time understanding why he had to take his shoes off for security and no we were not going to take a nap or have to carry him the whole time. Apparently my kid is a little too obsessed with wearing shoes and what that means to his freedom. I think that's another issue though 😉 At least now we don't have to have that discussion at the airport again.
yay! My youngest daugher has SPD, it's hard enough going through security with her! New follower, please follow back!
This is such a relief! I've never had to attempt to go through a security line with a child, but I can usually barely get myself through! At least this would make it a tiny bit easier on parents trying to travel with their kids!
You have no idea how happy this makes me! This should make travelling with a toddler just a teensy bit easier. Once the water rule goes into effect, it might actually not be such a bad experience.
I think they were trying to make it so impossible to get through security that no one actually traveled – thus it was always safe. Big conspiracy. 😉 Good news!
I am a new follower! Check us out if you have a minute! 🙂
I'm SO GLAD children 12 and under no longer have to take off their shoes!! Thankfully, when we traveled on Christmas day, no one in our family had to take off their shoes. I'm a new follower from the Monday blog hop. I LOVE your blog. Have you ever been to Ireland or Northern Ireland? You should. It's so lovely over there.
This is amazing news. I may actually fly with my children now….
I'm your newest follower , would love to see you following back at http://imamomnotaprofessional.blogspot.com/ thanks!!
I was thrilled to see this news a few days ago as well. Even though I only have one under 12 now I still find security a big hassle. Getting out the liquids and electronics and taking off everyone's shoes and then gathering everything back up again – I always end up feeling completely frazzled by the end of the process. The flying part is easy in comparison!! It's certainly nice to see these small steps toward more logical security processes.
Found you through the Monday Mob hop and I'm your newest GFC follower.
I would love a return GFC follow on my blog as well 🙂
http://mamababycupcakes.blogspot.com
Well put….and as a mom of now 10-year-old twins, I'm VERY happy about them leaving their shoes ON!
Safety and ease…together at last!
Thank you so much for linking up with Make My Monday…hope you will continue to do so!